Undernutrition state in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A critical appraisal on diagnostics and treatment

‘Undernutrition state’ (UNS) is an ominous condition, in particular when associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this review we discuss pathophysiological mechanisms and how UNS is defined and diagnosed. It seems unlikely that COPD-patients with established UNS have similar potential of reversibility (treatability) upon nutrition interventions as patients at a risk of developing such a condition, i.e. patients with low energy/nutrient intake, since pathophysiological, biochemical and metabolic conditions may differ substantially.
Source: Respiratory Medicine CME - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Clinical trial paper Source Type: research